Most Requested

Project Info

Paving and Chip Seal Projects

In February 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. WSDOT now stands ready to translate the federal recovery funding into job creation and highway improvements.

WSDOT’s roadway improvement projects funded by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will provide drivers with a safer, smoother ride and extend the useful life of our state’s highways. These paving and chip seal projects will also provide jobs in local communities across Washington and better roadways to keep the economy moving.

What does WSDOT use to pave roads? The most common road surfaces today are Portland cement, concrete pavement and hot-mix asphalt pavement. Traditional asphalt has an average lifespan of about 16 years in Western Washington. Traditional concrete can last up to 35 years. Generally, hot mix asphalt pavements are quieter than Portland cement concrete pavements.

What is a chip seal?Chip sealing repairs roadway damage and extends the life of the roadway. This treatment improves safety for drivers by creating a highly skid-resistant surface and reducing glare. Learn more about the chip-seal process.